As a tsunami threatens countries along the Pacific coast, here are all the areas that could potentially be at risk.
The 8.8 magnitude quake struck near Petropavlovsk, Russia, at 11:25AM local time on Wednesday (30 July), unleashing a powerful shockwave that’s reverberating through coastal regions across multiple continents, per the Independent.
The impact was immediately felt on the Kamchatka Peninsula, where waves of up to 13 feet (4 meters) battered the coast, damaging buildings and flooding streets, according to regional governor Vladimir Solodov.
"Today's earthquake was serious and the strongest in decades of tremors," he said.
Experts are calling this event one of the most powerful quakes in modern history — drawing comparisons to the 2011 Japan earthquake, which reached a magnitude of 9.0 and resulted in a devastating tsunami.
As fears mount over the tsunami’s reach, countries along the Pacific Rim have issued evacuation orders, advising residents to move to higher ground and stay away from coastal areas.
Among the nations under threat are Japan, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, and Peru — all warned to prepare for a worst-case scenario, per CNN.
Even parts of the United States, including California, Alaska, and Hawaii, are on high alert. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued statements urging residents in affected regions to take the situation seriously.
Former President Donald Trump also addressed the nation on social media, stating: "Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii.
"A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!"
The National Weather Service echoed Trump’s concern, particularly for those in Hawaii. “A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts around you,” the service said in a statement.
“You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.”
So far, the most significant wave heights have varied widely depending on location. In Hawaii, a wave measuring over 5 feet (1.52 meters) was recorded at Kahulu on Maui’s north-central shore.
In Japan, the northern coast has seen 40cm surges, with 60cm waves reported in Hamanaka and the Kuji port in Iwate. Alaska has also recorded moderate activity, with waves below 30 centimeters observed in Amchitka and Adak.
A tsunami advisory has also been issued for parts of California. The National Weather Service’s Los Angeles office posted on X: “A TSUNAMI WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT for coastal San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties. An earthquake 8.7 80 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk Kamchatka, Russia. Stay tuned for updates.”